Defeat against Sp. Braga generated strong criticism from Mourinho, who did not rest his players again
This Sunday, Benfica’s squad continued preparing for the derby against FC Porto, which will decide passage to the semi-finals of the Portuguese Cup. After the defeat against Sp. Braga (1-3) in the Allianz Cup, José Mourinho harshly criticized the players, who spent the night at Seixal and trained the morning after the Leiria game. And since then they haven’t taken time off again in order to focus on the clash with the Dragons, this in a month of January that will also be decisive in the Champions League with the trip to Turin and the reception to Real Madrid.
In addition to the presence of several young players from team B – such as goalkeeper Arnas Voitinovicius, central defenders João Fonseca and Rui Silva, midfielders Martim Ferreira (who has played centrally) and Miguel Figueiredo, winger Stevan Manuel and forwards Jelani Trevisan and Tomás Soares – to encourage the usual starters, Mourinho counted throughout the week on António Silva (recovered from injury) and also saw Bruma will resume work with his teammates on Saturday.
Good news for the Reds’ coach, who has lamented the lack of options due to the injuries plaguing the squad (Samuel Soares, Bah, Enzo Barrenechea, Lukebakio, Nuno Félix and João Veloso are casualties), complaining above all about the lack of wingers.
Worth a look
